Work is ramping up on the western and eastern entrances to Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel and other upgrades on the wider rail network, with workers currently preparing the sites for construction.
The works to build the tunnel entrances in Kensington and South Yarra, as well as a new platform at West Footscray and associated suburban rail upgrades, form part of the $1 billion Rail Infrastructure Alliance (RIA) works package.
A turnback will be built at West Footscray station to allow services to start and end at the station during timetabled peak periods for the first time, instead of travelling further down the line.
A consortium comprising John Holland, CPB Contractors and AECOM will deliver the RIA, in partnership with Rail Projects Victoria and Metro Trains Melbourne.
Roughly 50 workers are engaged in the preparatory works. Victorian public transport minister Jacinta Allan said over 150 workers will be onsite by the end of October.
The works will reportedly be completed in 2025. The $11 billion Metro Tunnel Project is to build nine kilometres of twin tunnels beneath the CBD in an effort to ease congestion on the City Circle and surrounding lines.